Cafe Serenade

by Eshelle Butler

A heartwarming story of love, loss, and second chances—perfect for fans of contemporary romance with emotional depth and a touch of drama.

Gail Bryant thought she had her future mapped out—until her world shatters with the passing of her beloved mother, Isabella, owner of the cherished Oasis Café. Fresh from NYU with a journalism degree and a broken heart, Gail returns home to honor her mother’s legacy by keeping the café alive. But grief isn’t the only challenge waiting for her.

Enter Steven Thompson, a gifted musician with a complicated past and a surprising to help Gail rebuild the café from the ground up. As they work side by side, their connection deepens—but so do the complications. Gail’s best friend is dating her mother’s former fiancé, and a charming newcomer named David stirs up feelings Gail isn’t ready to face.

Caught between two men, mounting debts, and the ghosts of her past, Gail must navigate a tangled web of loyalty, love, and ambition. Can she protect the café, follow her heart, and still stay true to herself?

291 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 5, 2025

About the author

Eshelle Butler was born and raised in Chicago, IL., and graduated from Columbia College of Chicago. She has a BA degree in Marketing Communications and Journalism. Eshelle is a poet, novelist, and blogger. She currently resides in the Suburbs of Chicago, IL.